Honestly some of the best low carb Christmas cookies I have ever made. A classic Italian recipe gets a healthy keto makeover!
It’s the holidays and I come bearing gifts! And pretty awesome gifts they are, if I do say so myself. The first are my new favourite Christmas cookies. Yes, yes, I say this about all my cookies because I fall fast and hard for whatever new creation I’ve just made. But really, these are startlingly good. They look relatively plain and not all that fancy. They don’t have lashings of frosting and there isn’t a speck of chocolate to be seen. Or peanut butter either, for that matter. But they are tender and soft, almost melt in your mouth, with a lovely hint of anise.
They are modelled after a classic Italian-style Christmas cookie. These would be the cookies I used to pass over on the holiday cookie plate in favour of the fancier, more gaudily festive ones. They simply looked too plain to me. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that there is so much to enjoy about the simpler things. This goes for life and for cookies. Simple, well-made cookies are such a pleasure. And let’s face it, the Italians do things right when it comes to the holidays.
I created this cookie recipe for my friends at Swerve Sweetener, so the actual recipe lives over there. But it’s worth the click-through, believe me. And I am making a double batch very soon to giveaway to family and friends.
Please see my Classic Italian Christmas Cookies on Swerve Sweetener
**Please note that there is something wrong with Swerve’s nutritional analysis that we are trying to sort out. My software gives this information: Food energy: 164kcal; Total fat: 14.62g; Carbohydrate: 4.50g; Total dietary fiber: 2.33g; Protein: 3.73g; Erythritol: 15g. NET carbs = 2.17g per serving. Serving size is TWO cookies.
Janet Moir says
I love Christmas cookies. They are my favorite!
Sarah says
Mexican Wedding Cake cookies are my favorite. My
Linda Ray says
Well, for years I have always loved Italian wedding cakes or pecan snowballs, However, this year I have made so many of them (and ate waaay too much of them! and I have decided to never eat/make another batch again, that is until I found your version of them! I was so very excited to see I can make them healthier! I will however wait till after Christmas to make them! he he Merry Christmas everyone!
Melanie Mendez says
Walnut snowballs, but I have never made them myself – maybe there’s a low-carb version out there…
Carolyn says
Why yes, there is! https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/2013/11/walnut-cardamom-snowballs.html
Kittie Moore says
I just made your shortbread cookie today. I’ve already eaten 2 and I made them bigger and thicker than yours. YUM! I have not been able to find a shortbread recipe that was even close to the real thing until I found yours. I can’t thank you enough for all your wonderful recipes. I know your making a book and believe me I can’t wait to buy it. I’ll probably have to buy one for my daughter and one for my sister as well. Every recipe of yours that I have tried is always outstanding. Again THANK YOU
Carolyn says
Thanks, Kittie!
Rose says
How long will these keep? I would like to make them ahead! Thanks for all your lovely recipes!
Carolyn says
I’ve got a batch in my freezer. That’s always the best way to make things last.
sara potter says
gingerbread cookies
Kathy says
Molasses Cookies are my favorite
Kathy says
Yum!!!
Kerry C says
Sugar cookies are my favorite! Can’t wait to make these!
Jan says
I actually love these anise cookies that my mother in law makes; it’s a german recipe that’s been handed down for three generations – or so she says! I could only eat them for two holidays before I had to quit so I’m excited to try these!
Joann says
My favorite cookie at Christmas is Snowballs/Swedish Wedding Cakes.
Joann says
Trying this recipe with what Swerve I have left. Thanks!
Doreen Bottieri says
I LOVE gingersnaps! It’s just not Christmas without them!
Donna says
Soft Sugar Cookies with thick frosting. Yum.
Margie Brown says
My favorite Christmas cookie is a frosted sugar cookie
Margie Brown says
Sugar Cookies are my favorite
Lori says
I love the sugar cookie cut outs made with sour cream. I frost them with the kids.
Sonia says
Short bread is my favorite Christmas cookie!
Jenny says
Ginger macadamia cookies are an absolute favourite.